May 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 35

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Trail Improvements in the Mid-Ohio Valley
New signage and maps improve trail/park accessibility
By Amy Kapp

A

notable feature of the Mid-Ohio Valley region of West Virginia is the
vast collection of trails that wind through the area. The North Bend
Rail Trail, American Discovery Trail and the network of trails along
North Bend State Park are well-known destinations for hiking, biking and family outings for thousands of people.
In an effort to increase physical
activity among youth and adults, the
West Virginia Recreation and Parks
Association (WVRPA) worked closely with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health
Department (MOVHD) to promote
and improve the region's trails. One
key initiative, implemented to support safer and more user-friendly trail
usage, was the adoption of consistent
signage throughout the six Mid-Ohio
Valley counties of Calhoun, Ritchie,
Wirt, Pleasants, Wood and Roane.
In partnership with a multi-sectoral
team, MOVHD and WVRPA are developing a plan establishing a comprehensive trail marking and identification system. The plan includes
signs for every type of trail usage,

with markers for trailheads, parking
and staging areas, landscapes, interpretive and historical information,
difficulty level and wayfinding. Additional signs help people differentiate
between destination trails, loop trails
and trail systems, and kiosks at strategic locations provide maps and interpretive information.
MOVHD and WVRPA have collaborated closely with a variety of
partners, including the State Department of Highways, the North
Bend Rails to Trails Foundation
and a host of regional park entities.
To maximize outcomes, MOVHD
is also collaborating with a variety
of community partners, achieved in
part through the development of the

Change the Future West Virginia
Coalition, in which all six Mid-Ohio
Valley counties are represented.
The trail team is working with
each of the participating counties to
implement the signage plans. The final signage plan will be presented for
official adoption by each of the counties in the near future.
While many of the activities implemented by the trail-signage project
are focused on families, children and
underserved populations, the project is slated to directly impact more
than 105,000 trail users. Ultimately,
project creators hope to improve the
quality of life for all residents and
visitors in the Mid-Ohio Valley region through increased trail access
and alternative transportation options, and increased opportunities for
physical activity.
Amy Kapp is a freelance writer in Northern
Virginia (kapp44017@gmail.com).

W W W. N R PA . O R G | M AY 2 0 1 3 |

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May 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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